New Dads Share Survival Skills

May 25, 2018

Don't discount first-time dads when it comes to giving advice. They learn pretty quickly how to function in life with a munchkin. We asked some of the community's newest fathers to share the biggest surprise of being a new dad, and what advice they’d offer future fathers.

Jimmy celebrates Father’s Day with Aiden.

Jimmy Cushingham

Financial advisor with Edward Jones. Son Aiden will be 3 in September.

• Biggest Surprise “The amount of energy it took from 7 at night to 7 in the morning. I have wanted to be a Dad for as long as I can remember. I am also an early riser and night owl, but never thought about all of the midnight feedings, diaper changes, and blowouts that would happen.”

• Best Advice “Be flexible and consistent. Clear communication with your spouse will go a long way when you are both sleep deprived. It is not possible to reason with a newborn. You can’t convince them that they shouldn’t be hungry or should be sleepy or even that you’re the best parents in the world!”

Joe and Beethoven enjoy reading together.

Joe Lemmo

Teacher in the Cherokee County School District. Son Beethoven is 2.

• Biggest Surprise “My son Beethoven is now 2 years old and loves music! I have to give my wife most of the credit on that one, but I am proud of the role that I have played. You see, ever since Beethoven was a baby, I have been making up songs and singing them to him. Whether I am changing his diaper, feeding him, giving him a bath, running around the house, or driving him in the car, I am usually singing a song! Some of the titles of my songs are: “Get that Dirty Diaper,” “My Sweet Boy,” “Beethoven John-Joseph,” and “Baa Baa Broccoli.” The exciting moment for me was when he started singing along. At first, I would just leave off a word and he would finish the line, but now he sings most of the words with me! As a bonus, he even matches my terrible tune!”

• Best Advice “Sing songs to your children. If you’re not comfortable singing, get over yourself! It is your child for Pete’s sake! Be fun, act silly and create special moments no one else can duplicate. Make your time special and invest in that amazing child of yours!”

Christopher with Nathan when he was a week old.

Christopher Brazelton

Executive director of Elm Street Cultural Arts Village. Son Nathan was born April 27.

• Biggest Surprise “How amazing the whole process is. It is incredible to learn how the baby adapts to what is going on depending on their stage of life.”

• Best Advice “I’m pretty new at this, but I think it’s safe to expect the unexpected. Every time I think there is a little rhythm, it changes, which makes it exciting!”

Brent and James pose for a father/son selfie.

Brent Brooks

Local actor/acting coach for those interested in getting into TV and film. Son James is 16 months old.

• Biggest Surprise “How fast kids can pick up on things and start mimicking everything you do. He also helps me remember how sometimes we get caught up on the most negative things, instead of enjoying the simple positive things in life.”

• Best Advice “Nobody’s born knowing everything. There will be times when you’ll feel clueless as to how to handle when the baby cries, or what kind of diapers won’t give your baby a rash. Don’t freak out, you and your wife are a team, lean on each other and things will get easier. Over all, just love your baby, that’s all that matters.”